Abstract
Presentation in the workshop 3.4.C ´Enhancing transformation of strategies for Mountain regions towards sustainable pathways` that was also moderated by the authors.
´A greener path for the CAP´ was an input speech before the discussion.
Following the international attention and rising awareness for effects of mountain areas on global change over the last decades, increased concern for effectiveness and application of “mountain laws” and linked policy instruments can be observed throughout many mountain ranges. Beyond the well-known cooperation schemes of the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention an increasing engagement in establishing or renewing appropriate regulation systems and commitment for implementing effective policy schemes has emerged over recent years. The presentation will aim at summarizing these aspects to highlight the relevance of policy changes that take account of socio-economic needs, implications by global integration of mountain societies and accelerating human-nature challenges due to climate change effects. Some examples from non-European contexts will be addressed to underline the wide-ranging significance.
At the same time, there is no “best practice” available since transformation requirements are equally critical in mountain contexts with a particular high discourse level and extended scientific basis (e.g. the Alps, Carpathian mountain range or Himalaya). The challenges for these areas are particularly strong in addressing the mindsets, awareness and perceptions on future development options and mountain needs in response to meeting Sustainable Development Goals. The complex and painful transition process will be exemplified by highlighting results of the foresight study for the Alps (ESPON study Alps2050), carried out in the wake of the EUSALP Macro Regional Strategy development in 2018. Findings underscore the search for trans-regional consensus, shifts in regional and national activities, but also limited inclusiveness as well as deficiencies in turning towards SDG orientations.